
Class J^gA _ 

Book. • ' 

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Frontispiece. 



THE 



GRAMMAR OF PALMISTRY 



BY / 

KATHARINE St. HILL 



WITH EIGHTEEN ILLUSTRATIONS 



PHILADELPHIA 

HENRY ALTEMUS 
1893 



l^iloOH 










Copyrighted 1893 
BY HENRY ALTEMUS. 



Altemus' Bookbindery, 
Philadelphia, 



PREFACE. 



"I have here made only a nosegay of culled flowers, 
and I have brought nothing of my own but the string 
that ties them." — Montaigne. 



In these days, when so many books on this 
favourite subject have already been offered to 
the reading public, it requires an apology on my 
part for thus introducing another to their notice, 
all the more as in the present volume no pretence 
is made to originality. 

Palmistry, like all other sciences, reduces itself 
to the likeness of a language, and for the study 
of any language a grammar is the first requisite. 
In nearly all the books from which I have myself 
studied during the four or five years I have de- 
voted to the subject, I have found a considerable 
difficulty in extracting even the primary rules 
and precepts from the masses of extraneous 



6 preface. 

matter introduced into the middle of them. In 
the older writers, the maxims of Palmistry are 
mingled with the canons of necromancy, astrology, 
spiritualism and superstition ; while the more 
modern writers almost invariably halt in the 
middle of their axioms to tell stories of their 
own particular successes, and to describe how 
wonderfully well they themselves have succeeded 
in predicting certain events, and describing cer- 
tain characters. I think it is now no longer 
necessary to encourage the student by allowing 
him to perceive to what a great degree of accuracy 
character-reading and prediction can be carried 
by those who have well studied the art of 
Palmistry, as the science has taken its recognized 
position, and its claims to fulfil its pretensions 
are no longer disputed. 

In the present work, therefore, I have en- 
deavoured to place before the reader the rules 
laid down by the best of our modern writers on 
the subject, in the clearest and simplest manner 
possible ; and I have added a number of draw- 
ings from the hands of distinguished people to 



preface. 7 

serve as examples and exercises for the assist- 
ance of the student. If, in so doing, I have made 
but a dull and uninteresting book, and have 
thereby laid myself open to the warning ad- 
dressed by a friendly critic to an old-world 
author on a kindred subject : 

" Friend, by your writings I am grieved, 
So very much is said ; 
One half will never be believed, 
The other never read," 

it must be my excuse that all grammars labour 
under the same disadvantageous reputation for 
dulness. But let me offer as a consolation to 
my readers the assurance that, after having gone 
through the present dry little collection of rules 
and regulations, they will be enabled to under- 
stand and enjoy far more than they would other- 
wise have done the spirited and amusing writings 
of my contemporaries. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

PREFACE 6 

PART I. 
ON THE OUTLINE AND MOUNTS . . . .II 

PART II. 
ON THE LINES 37 

PART III. 

ON THE PALM OF THE HAND AND LESSER LINES . 62 

PART IV. 

ON SIGNS OF ILLNESS, TEMPER, AND ON SPECIAL 

QUALITIES 84 

PART V. 

ON reading the hands. {Examples) . . 94 

PART VI. 

THE HANDS OF DISTINGUISHED PERSONS. {Eight 

Illustrations) . . . . . . .121 

PART VII. 

GLOSSARY OF TERMS 122 



10 



LIST OF PLATES. 





PAGE 


Fig. 18 


Frontispiece 


Figs, i, 2, and 3 . 


. 16 


Figs. 4, 5, and 6 . 


. 20 


Fig. 17 


. . . . 36 


Figs. 7, 8, and 9 . . 


. 66 


Fig. 10 . . . 


. . . 98 


Figs, ii, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 


. 109-120 



THE GRAMMAR OF PALMISTRY. 



PART I. 

OUTLINE. 
Short Hands. 

Short hands judge quickly, and do not regard 
detail in judgment. If with pointed fingers, 
imagination will aid; but the whole of things 
only will be regarded. Short, knotted fingers — 
i. e. with large joints — will have good reason 
and even calculation, but will not be able to 
analyze. 

Long Hands. 

Long hands show capacity for detail. If very 
large also, they will overdo it, and they gener- 
ally have a greater love of finish than of ability. 
Long fingers show feeling and susceptibility, and 
11 



12 ftbe Grammar of iPalmtetrg. 

when also pointed, tact. In excess, with a very 
narrow palm, they will show tyranny. Exces- 
sively large hands are intolerant, and when 
knotted are given to mania. 

Long Palm. 

When the palm is much longer than the 
fingers, and large in proportion, the capacity for 
detail will be lessened, and, though the subject 
may have good intelligence, instinct will always 
encroach on reason. There will be an incapac- 
ity for very^fine and delicate work, either men- 
tal or manual. The subject will, however, be 
easily satisfied, and not given to- contention or 
contradiction. 

Long Fingers. 

When the fingers are longer than the palm, 
the mind will be very active, and the spirit of 
criticism and contradiction strong. There will 
be a love of argument, and the memory will be 
very good, especially for words, and learning by 
heart will be easy. Long fingers, with the knot 
of philosophy, will find out your faults before 
your virtues, and it is said good husbands and 
good wives are not found with these hands. 



Outline. 13 



Equal Hands. 

When the palm and fingers are of equal 
length, the balance will be perfect, judgment and 
instinct will go hand-in-hand, detail and the 
whole will be justly regarded, and confidence 
reposed in the subject will not be found falsified. 

Hard Hands 

show energy and perseverance. If hard and 
pointed — activity and elegance. In excess — 
want of intelligence, dulness, stupidity. 

Soft Hands 

show laziness, natural indolence of mind or body, 
sometimes both. Soft and spatulate — active in 
mind and lazy in body. Soft and square — the 
reverse. Soft and pointed — indolent altogether. 

N.B. — Hard and soft hands have nothing to 
do with the skin. That may be hardened by 
the occupation pursued, or softened by lack 
of toil. The hand should be judged by the con- 
sistency when pressed. 

Supple fingers show quick action and versa- 
tility. Very thick hands show selfishness and 
self-esteem, 



14 Gbe Grammar ot palmistry* 

Skin. 

When the hand is soft and the skin much 
lined, the subject will be impressionable and 
upright. If hard and lined — quarrelsome. All 
hands covered with lines show either an agitated 
life or ill health. A very white hand, which 
does not change with heat and cold, is a sign of 
selfishness. 

Nails. 

The nails, and the ends of the fingers, show 
the temper of the subject. (The lines have also 
to be considered, of which later on.) Short and 
square nails show a fighting temper; if wider 
than they are long — obstinacy ; if square at the 
bottom instead of curved — passionate anger. 
Short nails, even with a hand otherwise benevo- 
lent, show mockery, criticism and contradiction. 
Very large nails, curved at the bottom — a cool 
and careful head for business. Almond nails — 
sweet temper. If they flush pink to the outer 
edge, there may be occasional fits of irritation, 
but long, narrow nails are never malicious. Thin 
and little nails are a sure sign of delicate health, 
j ^.d fluted nails show consumption, which is also 
often shown by the nails being very much curved 



16 




©utltne. 17 

towards the top, though this is also sometimes 
indicative of spinal complaint. 

Smooth Hands. 

( Without protruding joints^) 

Impressionability, intuition, inspiration, caprice, 
quick judgment, love of art. 

SMOOTH-POINTED. (Fig. I.) 

Religion, poetry, invention, imagination, tact, 
want of order. 

Excess : — Imprudence, exaggeration, lying, fa- 
naticism, ecstasy, posing. Altogether unprac- 
tical. 

SMOOTH-SQUARE. (Fig. 2.) 

Reason, obedience, power of organization, love 
of art and literature, little enthusiasm. Love of 
the look of order, not the trouble. 

Excess : — Tyranny, intolerance, narrow-mind- 
edness, love of rule to despotism. These are hard 
masters. 

SMOOTH-SPATULATE. (Fig. 3.) 

Activity, resolution, audacity, love of comfort, 
of movement, of notoriety, of manual labour. 
Liking for art, but no success. 



18 Gbe Grammar of palmistry. 

Excess : — Selfishness, want of tact, love of 
fault-finding. These will annoy themselves, and 
aggravate others. 

Knotted Hands. 

( With large protruding joints') 

Reflection, order, science. The rule of reason. 

THE KNOT OF PHILOSOPHY. (Fig. 4.) 

(The top joint of the fingers.) 

This will show a love of reasoning, of examin- 
ing and doubting ; it is a sign of independence of 
character. It is an advantage with a long and 
strong thumb, with the second phalange well 
formed, but with a weak thumb it will tend to 
error and obstinacy, especially if the fingers are 
pointed. 

KNOTTED-POINTED. 

These hands are quick to perceive, to observe, 
to understand. A love of truth and reality, and, 
at the same time, refinement and appreciation of 
the beautiful. But there will be a continual 
fight between inspiration and analysis, religion 
and controversy, independence and piety. There 
will be originality in art, but no success, because 
art will be stifled by calculation. 



20 




©utline. 21 



KNOTTED-SQUARE. 



Harmony and progress. Will give a charac- 
ter thoughtful, faithful, just and cold. Love of 
truth and usefulness, of law and rule, of science, 
history, jurisprudence, grammar, mathematics, 
and agriculture. 

- KNOTTED-SPATULATE. 

Active, practical, positive. Ambitious, un- 
sentimental, self-confident, brusque. 

KNOT OF ORDER. (Fig. 5.) 

(The lower -joint of the fingers^ 

Order in business, in affairs, in everything to 
do with management. 

Excess :— Egotism. 

This knot will give a spatulate hand a love of 
machinery. The first knot — that of philosophy 
— will give to artists great originality, and the 
study of all that belongs to art, such as the 
making of colours, etc. ; but with both knots 
art vanishes. To musicians, the two knots will 
give science and rhythm. To priests, the knots 
give the strength of the clergy, reason, 
:ance, and union. 



22 Gbe <3rammar of palmistry. 

The Fingers. 

I have divided the fingers into three classes 
only : pointed, square, and spatulate, as being 
easier to remember and understand than the 
seven or more specifications adopted by Mr. 
Heron Allen and other chiromantists. But 
students will very often find that hands are 
mixed, frequently the first finger is pointed with 
the rest square, and so on ; therefore I have 
given each finger separately at once for the 
greater convenience of study. Mixed fingers 
show more variety than strength. The class of 
the hand is more easily judged if the back of 
the hand is looked at first. The phalanges of 
the fingers are counted from the top, thus ; the 
first phalange is that which contains the nail. 
The thumb is the most important feature of the 
whole hand, and the character depends to a very 
great extent upon it. 

THE THUMB. 

First Phalange — Will. Second Phalange — 
Reason. Third Phalange — Love. 
First PJialange. 
Long and strong — energetic will, self-c 
dence, love of perfection. Medium — pas- 



Outline, 23 

resistance. Too long — tyranny. Too short — 
changeableness, inconstancy, insouciance, a weak 
will, ruled by others. 

Second Phalange. 

This should be a little longer than the first, 
and should be rather thick. When the first and 
second are of the same length and the thumb is 
relatively longer than the other fingers, it will 
show a very strong and sensible character, who 
will rule with reason and without tyranny. If 
the same thumb is of only medium length, there 
will be no rule over others, but passive resist- 
ance, and a strong and wise character. With the 
first phalange short and the second long and 
thick, the character will be reasonable, but liable 
to indecision ; with clear views, the subject will 
make magnificent plans, but will never execute 
them ; uncertainty will counsel over-prudence, 
he will balance between desire and execution, 
" letting I dare not wait upon I will," and though 
an excellent counsellor to others, he will never 
profit by it himself. A good strong first pha- 
lange, with a long thick second, and the knot of 
philosophy will, unless the lines are very ad- 
verse, lead to success and fortune. 



24 Gbe Grammar ot Jpalmistrg. 

Third Phalange. 

(This is also called the Mount of Venus, and 
will be studied as such later.) 

If very thick and long, high and encroaching 
on to the middle of the hand, the subject will be 
governed by passion ; if medium and in harmony 
with the rest of the hand — affectionate and be- 
nevolent ; if weak and flat — cold-hearted, and 
unless the line of heart be good, selfish. A 
subject who has the first long and the third much 
developed will govern by force of will, and love 
his friends and all humanity ; he will be affec- 
tionate without reason, firm and constant. A 
subject with the second and third most devel- 
oped will govern his passions by reason, but rea- 
son is feeble if will is weak. In this case the 
second may take the place of the first, but his 
life will be a continual struggle. A subject who 
has the first and second feeble and the third 
much developed, gives us but little hope of a 
good character ; changeable and inconstant, he 
will be tormented by fancy and temper, be un- 
able to keep a secret, and probably will also be 
melancholy. 

A thumb too short shows a want of decision, 
but if wide and heavy at the point, it will mean 
obstinacy, particularly if the joint is knotty and 



©utline. 25 

projecting. The wider the phalange, the more 
pig-headed the subject ; it is also a sign of bad 
temper, passionate anger, and want of modera- 
tion in all things. 

If a hand is soft, but has the first phalange 
long, the subject will work from duty, not from 
a love of it. A spatulate hand with a short 
thumb is wanting in perseverance, undecided, try- 
ing everything, often loving and amiable. But if 
the second is well developed, uncertainty ceases, 
the short thumb will give quick impressions, and 
good judgment will ensure success. 

A long first phalange — a man of will. 

A long second phalange — a man of intellect. 

A long third phalange — a man of feeling. 

If the thumb bends inwards towards the 
fingers — avarice. If outwards — generosity, some- 
times extravagance. Straight — prudence and 
good sense. A thumb set low down on the 
hand shows talent. 

Nearly all great men have large thumbs. 

FIRST FINGER. 

Called finger of Jupiter — sign % . 

Should be long relatively to the other fingers 
and straight; this will give thought and economy. 



26 Gbe Grammar of palmistry 

Pointed. — Quick apprehension, intuition, love 
of reading. 

Square. — Love of truth. 

Spatulate (very rare). — Error, exaggerated 
action. 

Pointed with the others square — ■ serious 
thought, artistic talent (if with a good line of 
Apollo). 

First phalange relatively long — religion. 

Second phalange .relatively long — ambition. 

Third phalange relatively long — love of rule, 
pride. 

All short — want of thought, little contem- 
plation. 

It is very important to artists to have a good 
first finger; it should be pointed. 

SECOND FINGER. 

Called finger of Saturn — sign \i . 

It is not good to have this finger much longer 
than the others. 

Pointed (very rare). — Frivolity, carelessness. 

Square. — Prudence, grave character. Too 
square — sadness. 

Spatulate.— Activity. Too spatulate — super- 
stition. 



©utline. 27 

First phalange relatively long- — melancholy. 

Second phalange relatively long — love of ag- 
riculture. With the knot of philosophy — love 
of exact science. 

Third phalange relatively long — avarice. 

THIRD FINGER. 

Called finger of Apollo — sign 0'. 

Represents art, fame, and riches. 

Pointed. — Artistic feeling and intuition. If 
with all the others in opposition — frivolity and 
boasting. 

Square. — Truth and reason in art and in life. 
With bad lines — great love of riches. 

Spatidatc. — Love of form, of movement in 
art, dramatic talent. Many actors have this 
finger, and in artists it signifies painters of 
animal or genre subjects. 

First phalange relatively long — noble love of 
art. Colour. 

Second phalange relatively long — love of work 
and reason in art. 

Third phalange relatively long — love of dis- 
play, vanity, desire to shine, love of riches. 

FOURTH FINGER. 

Called finger of Mercury— sign $ . 
It is good that this finger should be straight 



28 Zhe Grammar of palmistry. 

and long, and if the subject is to rule other 
people, " to turn them round his little finger," 
it should rise above the first knot of the third 
finger. 

Pointed. — Eloquence, tact, diplomacy. Ex- 
cess : — Ruse, finesse, trickery. 

Square. — Reason in science, love of the ab- 
stract, good at teaching, good at business. 

Spatulate. — Mechanical skill, love of machin- 
ery. Excess : — Theft. 

First phalange relatively long— love of talking, 
eloquence, skill. 

Second phalange relatively long — industry, 
common sense, good at business, love of argu- 
ment. 

Third phalange relatively long — scheming, 
evil eloquence, lying. 

Very long altogether — the sign of a savant. 

If when the hands are held open and loose, 
the first and second fingers fall naturally widest 
apart, it will show independence of thought, if 
the third and fourth are widest, inde endence 
action. If both are very wide, great originali 
and self-reliance. If the fingers naturally cur. 
up towards the palm when so held, the subject 
will be conventional. 

When the third phalanges of all the fingers 



©utlfne. 29 

are thick to the root, it is a sign of greediness, 
or, at least, of a love of good things to eat and 
drink. When the third phalanges of all the fin- 
gers incline downwards below the mounts, it 
shows shyness, sometimes extreme cowardice. 
If the first phalanges hollow and curve upwards — 
avarice. Reversed, when they turn back very far 
— extravagance. 

Thumb inclining inwards — avarice and selfish- 
ness. Outwards — generosity to prodigality. 

(The inclination of the fingers towards each 
other requires much study; and none of the 
chiromantists I have encountered seem to have 
sufficiently considered it. The few rules laid 
down above are those I 'have never known to 
fail, but much yet remains to be discovered on 
this important point.) 



,q.< 



THE MOUNTS. 

Mount of Jupiter. 

(At the base of the first finger.) 

Qualities. — Religion, ambition, honour, gaiety, 
love of society. 

Excess. — Pride, love of power and domineering, 
conceit, superstition. 

Absence. — Irreligion, selfishness, idleness, want 
of dignity, vulgarity. 

A good Mount of Jupiter will always show a 
great mind. 

Mount of Saturn. 

(At the base of the second finger.) 

Qualities. — Prudence, wisdom. 
Excess. — Taciturnity, sadness, love of solitude, 
religious fanaticism, remorse, tendency to suicide. 
Absence. — Misfortune or insignificant life. 
30 



rtftounts. si 

Mount of Apollo. 
(At the base of the third finger) 

Qualities. — Love of art or literature ; genius, 
intelligence, hope, calm, beauty and grace of 
mind, gentleness, toleration, mercy. 

Excess. — Love of money, extravagance, curi- 
osity, boasting, scoffing, lying, and envy. 

Absence. — Dulness and insignificance. 

Mount of Mercury. 
(At the base of the fourth finger) 

Qualities. — Cheerfulness, intelligence, wit, dash, 
eloquence, industry, inventiveness, promptitude 
of action and thought, love of work. 

Excess. — Lying, theft, treachery, ruse, trickery, 
pretentiousness, ignorance. 

Absence. — Want of intelligence and aptitude; 
a negative life. 

Mount of Mars. 

There are two Mounts of Mars, one beneath 
the Mount of Jupiter, divided from it by the 
Line of Life, the other beneath the Mount of 
Mercury, divided from it by the Line of Heart. 
The Plain of Mars lies between the two. 

Qualities of the First (beneath Jupiter). — 



32 XZbe Grammar of ipalmtetrg. 

Active courage, presence of mind, resolution, 
elan, aggressiveness. 

Qualities of the Second (beneath Mercury). — 
Passive courage, devotion, self-command, resigna- 
tion, strength of resistance, noble pride. 

Excess (the excess of these mounts is favour- 
able). — Of the first — great courage, dash and 
daring ; love of danger for its own sake. Of the 
second — great fortitude, calm strength, power of 
forgiveness. 

Excess (when represented also by bad lines). — 
Cruelty, tyranny, blood-thirstiness, anger, in- 
justice, insolence, brusquerie. 

Absence. — Cowardice, timidity, want of presence 
of mind. 

Mount of Venus. 

(At the base of the thumb) 

Qualities. — Beauty, grace, affection, charity, 
benevolence, love of beautiful things, of dancing, 
of melody in music, desire of pleasing, and the 
pleasures of the senses. 

Excess. — Inconstancy, effrontery, coquetry, 
vanity, idleness, and sensuality. 

Absence. — Coldness, selfishness, want of tender- 
ness and love. 

If the mount is flat, there is a want of the 



d&ount6* 33 

qualities ; to have vices it is necessary for other 
signs to join in. With a hard hand, a much- 
developed mount will give wit and grace of 
manner, and it will take from a developed Mount 
of Saturn its melancholy, and will make the 
subject gay. 

Mount of Luna. 

(On the outside of the hand beneath the Mount of 

Mars, and opposite that of Vetius.) 

Qualities. — Imagination, sentiment, refine- 
ment, poetry, harmony in music, love of scenery. 

Excess. — Despair, discontent, caprice, irrita- 
bility, sadness, superstition. 

Absence. — Dulness, want of sympathy, of im- 
agination, of ideas, positivism, and severe judg- 
ment on others. 

The mounts should always be judged with due 
regard for the shape of the fingers ; otherwise 
there is danger of confusing good and evil qual- 
ities, such as religion and pride, science and 
thieving. It is also very necessary to study and 
understand the lines. For instance, a straight 
Line of Head, a poor Line of Heart, knotted 
fingers, and a long first phalange of the thumb, 
will give, to a fine Line of Apollo, love of money 
instead of art ; the subject will be a speculator, 

c 



34 Gbe Grammar of palmistry. 

not an artist. Look also if idleness — soft hand — 
will not prevent success. 

Look also if the mounts incline towards each 
other. If Mercury encroaches on Apollo, science 
will join art ; if towards the percussion or out- 
side of the hand, it will show talent for business. 
Mars inclining towards Mercury will denote 
courage in free speech, and energy in the man- 
agement of affairs. Mars towards Luna — energy 
in imagination, and so on. 




Time and the Mounts 



PART II. 

Time. (Fig. 17.) 

Time is counted downwards on the Line of Life 
as shown in'the accompanying sketch, and down- 
wards also on the Line of Head. On the Line 
of Fate, on the contrary, time is counted upwards 
from the wrist to the Mount of Saturn, and this 
is also the case with the Line of Fortune. On 
the Line of Heart it is counted from the Mount 
of Jupiter to the percussion of the hand. 

Line of Life. 

{Vital.) 

The Line of Life shows the length of a person's 
existence, and his health or illness during the 
period. Time is measured upon it, and the in- 
cidents marked on the other lines are corrobo- 
rated. 

The Line of Life should be long, narrow, deep, 
softly coloured and completely encircling the 
Mount of Venus. This will give long life, exempt 
from illness, and a good character. 
37 



38 Zbc Grammar of ftatmtstrg. 

Signs of illness. — Pale and very deep — bad 
health. Little dark clots on it — nervous illness. 
Small lines crossing it — small illnesses, generally 
headache. Chained and uneven — painful life, 
bad health. Stopping suddenly with a black 
dot — death by accident or violence. Broken in 
one hand and weak in the other — a serious ill- 
ness ; broken in both hands — generally the 
patient dies. Forked at the end — possibly of 
illness or insanity ; where this is found it is well 
to caution the subject against over-work, either 
mentally or physically. It is always a bad sign, 
and conveys a serious warning. 

Branches. — When branch lines rise on either 
side of the Line of Life, it shows riches and 
dignity ; if they fall downwards, poverty or loss 
of character. If one line rises from the Line of 
Life and crosses the Mount of Jupiter, it shows 
boundless ambition ; if in both hands, it will be 
successful, unless crossed out by other lines ; if 
the branch, instead of the Mount of Jupiter, 
rises on to those of Apollo or Mercury, success 
will be gained in art or business, and will be the 
result of personal merit. If the Life Line is 
divided and one branch goes away on to the 
Mount of Luna and deepens, it shows long voy- 
ages or distant travelling. 



%ir\e5. 39 

Cross Lines. — Many very small cross lines — ill- 
health and delicate constitution. Lines from the 
Mount of Venus crossing the Line of Life are 
misfortunes caused by other people. Very often 
they are signs of illness brought about by trouble 
given by persons loved ; sometimes they are 
money troubles, difficulties with relations, occa- 
sionally lawsuits. To distinguish between them, 
care must be taken to see where and how they 
end. If on the Heart Line, it will be from the 
affections, and if ending with a star or irregular 
cross, a sudden shock. On the Head Line they 
will show an accident, ox a brain fever, or illness 
from overwork. 

Attendant Lines. — When the Line of Life is 
closely followed by another line, which may occa- 
sionally entwine itself with it, it is a sign of great 
vigour and success, and a promise of riches. But 
if a branch rises from it and crosses the Mount 
of Luna, ending in a star, the subject may be 
given to intemperance, and if, together with this, 
there is a black mark on the Line of Head, he 
will probably die from delirium tremens or a fit 
of insanity. This sister line to the Line of Life 
is generally called the Line of Mars. Besides the 
Line of Mars, which is rare, there will generally 
be found some attendant lines further off from 
the Line of Life, which follow its course more or 



40 £be Grammar of palmistry. 

less regularly. These represent the influence of 
other people over our life, and their intensity and 
duration may be calculated by their depths and 
by the nearness of their approach to the Line of 
Life. 

Stars and Crosses. — Stars and crosses near the 
Line of Life are signs of trouble, especially if the 
lines composing the star or cross pass over the 
Line of Life — this is often the sign of an infirmity 
from which the subject will not recover ; but if 
it is on the side next the thumb it may mean 
trouble from relations. 

When the Vital Line ends in a series of 
crosses, the subject may have an amiable charac- 
ter and talent ; but if the crosses are found in 
both hands he will never succeed in any one line, 
will do nothing great with his life, and is menaced 
with long ill-health at the termination. 

Line of Head. 

(Cerebral^) 

Should be even, long and narrow ; this will 
show strong judgment, determined will, and clear 
mind. If the Mount of Mercury is much de- 
veloped, there will be originality, energy, and 
constancy ; if Mercury is low, more learning and 
less ability. 



%inee. 41 

When the line is separated from the Line of 
Life. — This is a sign of self-confidence, and when 
found in both hands, often conceit. Subjects 
who have this division are very impulsive, and it 
is as well to warn them not to decide too hastily; 
with them second thoughts will generally be 
best. The division is always of advantage in 
gaining success in any business or profession, 
especially for barristers, public speakers, actors, 
singers, etc., as it gives them confidence in their 
own powers, and scorn of criticism. 

When the Line of Head is joined to the Line of 
Life.— This is a sign of want of self-confidence. 
If it is joined as far as the middle in both hands, 
timidity and moral cowardice will be excessive ; 
and unless there are signs of very great talent, 
subjects with the lines so joined will never suc- 
ceed in anything. In many cases the lines are 
joined in one hand, and not in the other ; when 
this is the case, a join in the left hand will show 
the subject to have been born self-distrustful, 
and to have conquered it by resolution ; if vice 
versa, the subject has been in youth somewhat 
conceited, and has been probably snubbed into a 
smaller opinion of himself. When the subject 
has a join in both hands, snubbing will have a 
very bad effect on the character; the subject 
should, on the contrary, be in every way encour- 



42 ftbe Grammar of fl>almistrE. 

aged. It is also often a sign that the develop- 
ment of the intellect has been slow. 

When the line is very long and straight. — This 
is a sign of common-sense, of care and economy. 
If it goes quite straight right across the hand, it will 
show avarice, selfishness, and greed. This, how- 
ever, need not be the case if the other signs are 
very good in the hand; with a fine Mount of 
Jupiter, a turned-out thumb, and a good Line of 
Heart, it will only mean great perseverance, good 
judgment, and common-sense. 

When the line is very long and sloping. — This 
is a sign of imagination, artistic feeling, poetry, 
and but little judgment. In excess, it will bring 
every sort of folly and delusion, especially if the 
Mount of Luna is much developed and lined, 
and should it end in a star near the Bracelet, the 
subject may end his days in a madhouse. A 
long line is sign of good memory. 

When the Line of Head is forked. — It is a 
good thing that all the lines in the hand, except 
the Line of Life, should end in a fork. When 
the Head Line ends in a small fork, it will show 
both imagination and common-sense. But the 
fork should not be too large, or the ends irregu- 
lar. In this case it would show a tendency to 
ruse and trickery ; in a bad hand, to lying and 
deceit ; in any case, if one branch descends to- 



ftfnes. 43 

wards the Mount of Luna, it is a sign of diplo- 
matic talent, subtility and acuteness ; the subject 
may deceive himself, but he certainly has the 
ability to deceive others. 

When the line is short. — If the line advances 
only to the middle of the hand, it shows a want 
of spirit, of dash and balance ; the subject will 
see but one side of any question ; if it stops short 
under the Mount of Saturn, life will t^e short, 
and death probably sudden. If the line begins 
under the Mount of Saturn, and slopes into the 
Mount of Luna, and the Heart Line is not very 
good, it will show an obstinate character, and 
one who will always take offence and love quar- 
rels. As any line attached to the Saturnian — 
or Line of Fate — which does not cross it is bad 
and unlucky, so a Head or Heart Line ending 
or beginning at the Line of Fate is very unfor- 
tunate, shows much unhappiness, weak health, 
and short life. 

Signs of illness. — When the line is very pale 
and wide, it shows a want of intelligence, and 
indecision; but if the thumb is good, and the 
Mount of Mercury well developed and marked, 
this will mean weakness of the brain, and the 
subject should be cautioned against over-excite- 
ment. Broken in two beneath the Mount of 
Saturn, it signifies an accident to the head, or a 



44 Gbe Grammar of palmistry. 

wound of some sort. A circle on the line may 
mean the loss of sight. Winding, unequal, and 
of differing colours, it shows liver complaint, and 
if broken in blocks, mental disease, or loss of 
memory. Small lines crossing or falling from it 
headache. 

When the line is chained. — This shows a want 
of fixity in the ideas; there is too much variety; 
but if the line is followed throughout by another, 
a sister line, it means a great inheritance. 

Crosses, and lines rising and falling from it. 
— A cross on the Head Line in the middle of 
the Plain of Mars shows a severe accident, the 
result of which must be looked for on the Line 
of Life. Black dots upon the line show brain 
fever, or an illness in which the subject has been 
delirious. Lines rising from the Head Line, 
and mounting towards the Heart without touch- 
ing, and those which fall from the Heart towards 
the Head, show the influence of other people 
over us, and we can trace by their crossing each 
other, or stopping short, how far such influence 
is prejudicial or favourable to our happiness. 
The lines from the Head upwards are those of 
friendship only, while those from the Heart may 
arise from love for members of the opposite sex. 
A branch from the Head Line rising high upon 



3Unes. 45 

the Mount of Jupiter, and cutting into the root of 
the finger, shows great pride and ambition ; if it 
ends in a cross, it will fail ; in a star — success ; but 
if instead of ending there, the branch turns back 
towards the Mount of Saturn, it is a bad sign for 
the character: the subject will be a fanatic in 
religion or pride, and possessed of mad vanity. A 
branch from the Head Line going toward Mercury 
shows a great gain in business or affairs ; if it ends 
between the third and fourth fingers the gain will 
be in art or science. When the Heart Line sinks 
down towards the Head it is a sign of egotism; 
if the other signs are good, it is only the sign 
of a person who is unable to see any question 
except from his own standpoint, and takes a 
narrow and conventional view of things in gen- 
eral ; physically it will show asthma, or palpitation 
if the Line of Health is not good. If the Head 
Line rises towards the Heart, it is a sign of 
timidity. If the Head and Heart Lines touch, 
it shows misfortune and early death — if in both 
hands, and should the Line of Fate stop at the 
Line of Head, the evil becomes still more certain. 
Should the Line of Head arch towards the Heart 
Line, and then abruptly fall on to the Line of 
Life, it is the sign of great misfortune in love, 
probably a long engagement never fulfilled. 



46 Gbe Grammar of ipalmtetrg. 

Line of Heart. 
(Mensal^j 

Should be narrow, deep, of a good colour, 
running straight from the Mount of Jupiter to 
that of Mercury. This will give a good heart ; 
strong and happy affection. The longer the Line 
of Heart, the nobler, the more ideal the love. 
Should, however, the line completely encircle the 
Mount of Jupiter, and the Head Line slope on 
Luna, the subject may make himself unhappy by 
jealousy. 

When the line is short. — Not rising until be- 
neath the Mount of Saturn, it is a sign of a cold 
heart; if, however, with this, the Mount of 
Venus is much developed and the hand soft, the 
affections may be very warm, but the tendency 
will be sensual. With a very long Head Line 
and strong thumb, a subject will be very con- 
stant, even if the Heart Line is short. This will 
make him affectionate to the few he loves, though 
lacking in general benevolence and love of his 
fellow-creatures. When the line goes round the 
percussion of the hand till it can be seen on the 
back, it will show great spirit, daring, and per- 
severance. 

When the line is forked. — A fork on the Heart 



Xines. 47 

Line under Jupiter is a true sign of trustworthi- 
ness and constancy, but not of happiness in love. 
The more even the fork, the more ideal the 
character. 

Branches. — Branches rising and falling from 
the Line of Heart show the influence of other 
people on the affections, and as they are crossed 
or otherwise, so is the love successful and re- 
turned, or disappointed and unhappy. A branch 
that rises high on the Mount of Jupiter promises 
great happiness and successful ambition, if un- 
crossed. When a branch cuts through the line 
and descends beneath it, it is a sign of disap- 
pointment. When there are many branches, it 
is a sign that the feelings of love and hate are 
very strong. No branches mean a loveless life, 
so far as the opposite sex is concerned. 

When the line is broken. — A break in the line 
generally means a broken engagement, or a great 
disappointment with regard to a person loved. 
If beneath Saturn, circumstances will be the 
cause; between Saturn and Apollo, folly; beneath 
Apollo, from pride; and beneath Mercury, from 
caprice or ignorance. 

Dots and Dents. — These on the Heart Line 
always show troubles, physical or mental. When 
the dot is red, the sorrow has been very keen, 
and may be caused by the unworthiness of the 



48 Gbe Grammar of palmistry. 

person loved. White dots are conquests in love, 
and black or blue ones are signs of shock or 
illness. 

When the line is chained. — Chains or islands 
on the Line of Heart show inconstancy, caprice, 
flirtation, and intrigue, and often contempt of the 
opposite sex. 

Signs of illness. — These signs on the Heart 
Line must always be corroborated either on the 
Line of Health or that of Life, otherwise it is 
very easy to mistake flirtation for heart-disease, 
or loss of money and troubles of poverty for 
palpitation of the heart, and so on. It is a very 
bad sign physically, if the line is almost white and 
very wide, especially under Saturn, so that it 
almost looks blurred; this is a great sign of 
disease of the heart, and if the line be cut and 
the two ends piled on top of each other it is also 
a sign of severe illness. 

A hand without any Line of Heart shows hard- 
heartedness, cruelty, and avarice. 

Line of Fate. 
(Satumian.) 
The Line of Fate shows worldly success or 
failure, and the general course of the life. 

There are four principal places for the de- 
parture of this line : 



Xfnes* 49 

ist. From the Line of Life. — This is good and 
common. The line then partakes of the life- 
qualities, shows a generous heart, and, if un- 
crossed, shows prosperity and happiness. 

2nd. From the Plain of Mars, or middle of 
the hand. — This will show a life of trouble, but 
is also a sign of hope and energy. There will 
always be struggles and obstacles, but if success 
is achieved, it will be by merit alone. 

3rd. From the Bracelet. — This will show a fine 
and uncommon destiny, if found thus in both 
hands, and happiness or misery will result from 
it according to the direction and markings of 
the line. If it goes from the Bracelet to the 
Mount of Saturn, ending high upon it, it shows 
great success ; if the line is forked, it is still more 
certain. If it passes over the mount and enters 
the Finger of Saturn, it shows excessive fatality, 
a great destiny; should it, however, mount still 
higher and end in a star, it is said to presage an 
heroic career, ending with violence, or a great 
crime. 

4th. From the Mount of Luna. — When the Line 
of Fate rises from this mount it shows that all the 
happiness of the life will arise from the actions of 
some other person or persons. Destiny is taken 
out of the hands of the subject altogether, and 
arranged for him. This is not altogether the 

D 



50 Zhc Grammar of lpalmtetrs. 

case if the line rises from Luna in one hand 
only, and in the other from the Life Line or the 
Bracelet. In this case the subject will either 
have given away his fate voluntarily into an- 
other's hands, or will have freed himself from 
the control imposed upon him by circumstance, 
as the line is found differing in the right or in 
the left hand. If a Luna Line of Fate stop at 
the Heart Line, and there is a well-formed cross 
on the Mount of Jupiter, fortune and happiness 
will arise by means of a good marriage. 

If the line rises from below the Bracelet, it 
shows a very bad influence of fate and great 
grief. There are four principal places on which 
the Line of Fate may end. 

ist. On or towards the Mount of Saturn. — 
When this is the case and the line is a good one, 
not much crossed or barred, the career will be a 
fine one, and probably successful and adventurous 
— full of good chances. These chances will often 
be shown by the end of the line being much 
forked upon the mount, each fork showing by its 
direction in what pursuit success will be promised. 

2nd. On or towards Jupiter. — This will show 
great success and gratified ambition if the line 
rises high upon the mount, but if it runs up 
between the first and second finger it shows 
tranquil, untroubled life. 



Xfnes. 51 

3rd. On or towards the Mount of Apollo. — 
This promises success in art, or great riches if 
the line is clear and uncrossed. 

4th. On or towards the Mount of Mercury. — 
This shows gain in business or scientific triumphs. 
If the line stops at the Line of Heart, it is often 
a sign of love troubles ; if at the Line of Head, fate 
is often spoiled by a wrong judgment; but in 
both cases these signs must be corroborated on 
the other lines. Small lines cutting the Saturnian 
show troubles, crosses ; on, or near the line, 
changes of fate, or residence; and stars, dangers. 

When the Fate Line is broken it does not 
always mean misfortune ; if the line continues 
again well marked and uncrossed it will probably 
show a great event in the life, and if the lines 
run parallel for a little distance the event may 
bring a change for the better in position and 
dignity. 

When the Fate Line is tortuous y and chained 
with a double line, it is a sign of misfortune, or 
bad character, and unhappiness brought about 
by evil deeds. When, however, the line is only 
followed by a sister line for a short distance, it 
means a strong influence of another person, or 
even an effect of imagination, powerful enough 
to affect the career of the subject. 

Branches upwards from the Fate Line show 
D 2 



52 Gbe <5tammar ot lpalmf9tr^» 

improvement in position and wealth ; but if they 
tend downwards there will be reverses, and 
possibly poverty. A corkscrew on the line 
shows a very unfortunate period ; if near the 
bottom of the hand, a very unhappy childhood. 
This is also shown by dents and crosses at the 
extreme beginning of the Life Line. 

Should a line rise on the Mount of Luna, and 
cross or join the Line of Fate, it shows a great 
folly, or a fatal influence of imagination. With 
other bad signs concurring, it sometimes.means 
danger of illness from over-indulgence in intox- 
icating drink. 

In studying the Line of Fate, both hands 
should be most carefully compared. 

[M. Desbarolles, M. Serres, and other French 
writers have asserted — and in this they have 
been followed by many English chiromantists — 
that the Line of Fate is only to be found in the 
hands of the European races. That they are 
mistaken in their assertion I have myself ascer- 
tained by examining the hands both of Maoris 
and of Hindoos ; in the former case I invariably 
found the Fate Line very strongly marked.] 



Xtnes. 53 

Line of Fortune. 
{Solar) 

Shows glory, fame, and riches, artistic and 
literary talent, and success, worldly distinction 
and prosperity. It should be narrow, deep, 
straight, long, and rise high upon the Mount 
of Apollo. 

There are four places from which the line 
may rise. 

1st. Rising from the Line of Life. — This is 
very favourable, and will show success and for- 
tune gained by inheritance, or by merit. The 
lower the line rises, the more surely will honour 
or celebrity be attained. 

2nd. Rising from the Mount of Luna. — In this 
case success or fortune will be gained unexpect- 
edly, and by the help of other people, by the 
influence of powerful friends, or by marriage. 

3rd. Rising from the Plain of Mars. — Middle 
of the hand. In this case success will come late 
in life, or towards middle-age, and will be the 
result of personal merit and exertion. 

4th. Rising from the Line of Heart. — This will 
show an appreciative character, a love of art and 
of the beautiful; but neither wealth nor fame 
will be gained by it. 



54 Gbe Grammar of fcalmfstrg. 

Occasionally the Line of Apollo maybe found 
rising beneath the Mount of Venus, running 
parallel for a short distance with the Line of 
Life ; fortune and success will then be made by 
love or marriage, or by the help of a strong 
friendship, but the subject has not been born 
to it. 

Cross Lines. — These are obstacles in the way 
of success, and if they bar the line without cut- 
ting it through, the obstacles may arrive from 
envy and ill-will; if they bar the line near the 
beginning they will show loss of fortune by 
parents during youth. 

Branches. — A single fork on the Mount of 
Apollo will show success in one line of life; 
but if there are many, and the line is, so to 
say, faggoted, there will be taste and talent in 
many different branches of art, politics, or lit- 
erature, but energy being too much distributed, 
nothing will be brought to success or perfection, 
except in very exceptional cases, when a high 
Mount of Jupiter, and a very strong thumb, will 
show a subject of uncommon aptitude and deter- 
mination. But when, instead of branching, the 
lines run parallel down the mount, great celebrity 
will be attained, and fortune and position will 
make complete success. But this is only when 
the lines are found alike in both hands. Many 



%ines. 55 

lines on the mount always show ambition, but 
when faggoted — tied, as it were, together — it 
degenerates into a mere love of display and 
desire to shine ; three lines will, nevertheless, 
often show a gain in wealth. 

When the Line of Fortune is inferior in strength 
and beauty to that of Fate, there will be more 
position than wealth. 

Unless there is a good Mount of Jupiter a 
Line of Apollo cannot bring much success^ 
except in the shape of money, and in a very 
hollow hand it is said to be powerless. 

The Line of Health. 
(Hepatica) 

It is a sign of a very strong constitution to be 
without this line. 

The Line of Health should start from the 
Bracelet, or from the Line of Life, and go on, or 
towards the Mount of Mercury ; but it is very 
irregular, and may begin or end almost anywhere 
in the hand. It should be long, narrow, clear, 
well-coloured and straight ; this will show good 
health, good memory and a kind heart. 

If the line is tortuous it shows biliousness and 
bad temper. If it joins the Heart Line, and does 



56 Gbe Grammar of fcalmtetrg. 

not cross it, it will show feebleness of Heart; if 
it joins the Line of Head it shows a tendency to 
brain attack from over-work or over-excitement, 
especially if the Life Line is forked at the wrist. 
A cross on the line shows an illness, the date of 
which must be looked for on the Line of Life. 
Small lines crossing it show weakness and deli- 
cacy, often headaches or neuralgia. If the line is 
broken it will show congestion of the lungs or 
pleurisy. 

If the line is unequally coloured and very red 
near the middle, it shows a tendency to fever, 
and red or black dots show severe illness ; if it 
is red near the Line of Head, it shows severe 
headaches, if it is very pale and white, chronic 
indigestion. Very red near the Line of Life 
shows heart-disease. A star on the Hepatica 
shows no family ; a star near it on the Plain of 
Mars shows failing sight, sometimes blindness. 

Branches from the Hepatica to the line of 
Fortune show changes in business relations or 
professions, and this is also shown by a cross 
near, but disconnected with the Line of Health. 
A branch from the Hepatica to the Mount of 
Jupiter shows great changes and much travel- 
ling; if it rises towards the Mount of Apollo, it 
will mean the possession of a great deal of 
money. When the Hepatica is followed by a 



Xines. 57 

sister line, it is a sign of excellent health and 
good fortune. 

The Line of Intuition. 
(Line of Luna.) 

This is not a very common line, and is, as a rule, 
only found on imaginative or intellectual hands. 

It should rise upon or beneath the Mount of 
Luna, and proceed in a sort of half circle on to or 
towards the Mount of Mercury. 

If it is clear, straight, and narrow, it will show 
intuition, thought-reading, and mesmerism. The 
subject will have a taste for occult science, 
divining, clairvoyance, and if there is an island 
near the beginning of the line, a gift of second 
sight. If the line is branched, tortuous, or short, 
there will be danger of caprice and over-imagi- 
nation, culminating in lunacy. 

When the Line of Luna forms a triangle with 
the Line of Fate and the Line of Head it is said 
to indicate a good chiromantist, with talent for 
palmistry. 

An island on the line, not perfect at one end, 
shows a tendency to somnambulism. This is 
also shown in the same way as the Line of 
Health. 



58 ftbe Grammar of ipalmietrs* 

Lines crossing the Line of Intuition, going to- 
wards the Fate or Life Lines, show voyages, and 
a star on the Mount of Luna, near the line, a 
danger of shipwreck, or fire at sea. 

The Ring of Venus. 

The Ring of Venus is a half-circle, formed by 
a line starting from between the first and second 
fingers, crossing or surrounding the Mounts of 
Saturn and Apollo, and ending, when perfect, 
between the third and fourth fingers. 

The early writers, and the great master of 
chiromancy, Desbarolles, have chosen to regard 
this line as indicative of evil, a sign of false 
ambition, lying, coquetry and sensuality; and 
in this they have been followed by most English 
palmists, though the latest writers have seen fit 
to modify, to a great degree, the severe judg- 
ment of their predecessors ; in fact, some have 
gone so far as to say it is not a sign of evil, 
except with other bad signs concurring, and only 
then when the line is broken or tangled. 

Now, I fancy if they had not started with the 
original idea already prejudged in their minds, 
they might possibly have come to the conclusion 
with regard to their own experience to discard 
the earlier readings hallowed by tradition, and 



Xines. 59 

to attribute this line to other influences. Des- 
barolles, in his works, has always divided the 
palm of the hand into three worlds or divisions ; 
the intellectual, that which comprises the Mounts 
and lines of Heart and Head, drawing a line 
across from the junction of the thumb to the 
base of the Mount of Mercury; the physical, 
that which contains the table of the hand, the 
Plain and Mounts of Mars, drawing the line from 
the lowest joint of the thumb to the junction of 
the Mounts of Mars and Luna ; and the sensual, 
comprising the Mounts of Venus and Luna down 
to the wrist. The truth and value of this di- 
vision has never, I believe, been disputed. How, 
then, it may be asked, can a line, drawn across 
the highest pitch of the intellectual world, be 
the sign of qualities which have always been 
found clearly distinguishable in the excessive 
development of the lowest division ? The line 
itself encircles the Mounts of Fate and Fortune, 
and is generally found sharply intersecting the 
lines which signify success in art and ambition. 
I venture, therefore, with all respect to the learned 
and experienced writers who have gone before 
me, to suggest that possibly the earlier reading 
of this line may have been mistaken, and that 
the time has come when new light may be 



60 Zhe Grammar of ipalmtetrg. 

thrown upon the subject. For myself I may, 
perhaps, be allowed to say on behalf of a new 
view, that during nearly five years of study and 
of experience of all sorts of hands on both sides 
of the world — and I have occasionally examined 
as many as forty or fifty in a day — I have never 
in one single case found the old reading correct, 
or that the line in any way corresponded to the 
other signs of the same disposition found in the 
hand. I have found this line invariably in hands 
of the most refined and intellectual type, hands 
with long taper fingers, straight forked Heart 
Lines with a few branches, pale narrow lines, 
and an entire absence of the Mount of Venus. 
In most cases I have also remarked in hands 
showing the so-called Ring of Venus, that while 
the Heart Line is cold, the Head Line is very 
marked, long, sloping deep and narrow, and the 
thumb has a long, strong phalange of reason. 
The hands are also often very much lined and 
crossed. My own theory, which is as yet only 
a supposition, and should be considered merely 
as such, is that this Ring of Venus is a sign of 
much misfortune ; as it breaks the Lines of Fate 
and Fortune, so it deprives them of their ulti- 
mate success, and as it cuts off the Mounts of 
Saturn and Apollo, so it deprives the rest of the 



Xines. 61 

hand of the prudence and worldly wisdom of 
the former, and of the fame and sunshine of 
happiness promised by the latter. It is a sign 
of a restless disposition, of a vie manquee. 



PART III. 

The Plain of Mars. 

The Plain of Mars is the centre of the palm of 
the hand, the valley through which the Line of 
Head flows. 

If it is high, it shows aggressiveness and 
daring; if low, a peaceful disposition; if very- 
hollow, the subject will never rise to any high 
position. 

The lines to be found, and signs marked on it, 
are considered under the headings of the Quad- 
rangle and Triangles. 

The Quadrangle. 

This is the space found between the Lines of 
Head and Heart. 

If it is wide and regular, largest nearest the 
percussion, and the lines bounding it of good 
colour, it shows justice, loyalty and broad, 
tolerant views, a straightforward and courageous 
character. Should it be narrow, it shows narrow 
views and conventionality, a tendency to in- 
justice and indecision ; with other bad signs 
62 



Xines. 63 

concurring, deceit and malice. In an otherwise 
good hand, but with a weak Line of Health, it 
is said to show asthma. When this narrowness 
is caused by the Line of Heart descending 
towards the Line of Head, the subject is egotisti- 
cal; but if at the same time the Mount of Venus 
is well developed, and the Heart Line long, it 
will mean an inability on the subject's part to 
see anything from another's point of view/ and 
though in this case he will be benevolent, he 
will only assist others at his own time, and in 
his own manner. 

When the narrowness of the Quadrangle is 
caused by the Line of Head mounting towards 
the Line of Heart, it is a sign of irresolution and 
timidity. With red coloured lines, developed 
Mounts of Mars, and a short Heart Line, it will 
mean cruelty also. In an otherwise benevolent 
hand it will show a hard and critical judgment 
of other people's faults. 

Crosses in the Quadrangle show the influences 
of others on the life of the subject. Those that 
fall from the Heart Line downwards are in- 
fluences engendered by the opposite sex, those 
that rise may be the result of either friendship 
or love, but in the latter case the feeling will be 
deeper on the part of the other person concerned 
than of the subject himself. If the cross is well- 



64 Gbe Grammar of palmistry 

formed and does not cross the Lines of Fate or 
Fortune, the influence will be good and happy, 
and if the branches of the cross touch both head 
and heart, the influence will be lifelong. 

The Triangle. 

The Triangle (fig. 6) is found in the centre of 
the palm of the hand, below the Quadrangle, 
and is formed by the Lines of Head, Life, and 
Health; if there is no Health Line in the hand, 
the Line of Fortune will take its place ; and if 
that also is wanting, then the Fate Line stands 
instead ; but in both these latter cases the Tri- 
angle must necessarily be much contracted. 

When the Triangle is well traced, wide, and 
the lines of good colour, it will show good 
health, long life, and a strong intellect. 

When it is very large — audacity, generosity, 
and a noble character. 

When it is small and badly formed, it is a sign 
of avarice, tenacity, meanness, and want of in- 
telligence. 

If the Triangle is flat and somewhat raised in 
the hand, it will show daring, courage, and love 
of struggle ; but if it is much sunk, the character 
will be peaceable and unambitious. 

First Angle (fig. 7). — Formed by the conjunc- 



6Q 




Xines. 67 

tion of the Lines of Life and of Head. If it is 
narrow, well made, and acute, it will show a good 
disposition, sensitiveness, delicacy and wit. If 
very obtuse, stupidity. If the lines do not join, 
great self-confidence. If the angle is formed 
low down, right upon the Plain of Mars, it will 
be a sign of a very unhappy life, possibly of love 
of money, and strife. 

Second Angle (fig. 8). — Formed by the con- 
junction of the Lines of Life and of Health, or 
sometimes of Health and of Fate. If this angle 
is well formed, it will show good health ; but it is 
a sign of a bad constitution if it is too sharp. If 
it is too heavy and broad, it shows idleness and 
ill-nature. If, in the hand of a child, this angle 
is found defective, care should be taken that he 
should not be pushed too hard in his studies, as 
intellectual power will be late in developing, and 
health may suffer from too great application. 

Third Angle (fig. 9). — Formed by the con- 
junction of the Lines of Head and of Health. 
If it is well formed and broad, it shows long life 
and much intelligence ; if it is too sharp, a 
nervous temper ; and if badly formed, headache 
and irritability. If very obtuse, it is a sign of 
stupidity and inconstancy. 

If in the hand of a young person the Triangle 
is formed by the Lines of Life, Head, and Health, 
E 2 



68 Gbe Grammar ot palmistry* 

and the Lines of Fate and Fortune are missing, 
an intellectual career should not be chosen for 
him. He may be very clever and capable of 
good work, but he will always lose the oppor- 
tune moment ; from want of worldly wisdom 
the golden opportunity will be missed, and suc- 
cess in mental work will never be achieved. 

The Bracelets. 
(Rascettes) 

These are the lines which encircle the wrist. 
It is, however, only those placed close to the 
hand that are of any importance. 

The Bracelets show length of life — each line 
being said to foretell some thirty years of ex- 
istence — and health, wealth, and happiness. 

A single line, well made, uncrossed, and deep, 
shows a happy, if short, existence, and a calm 
disposition, and the greater the number of lines, 
if equally well made, the greater the promise of 
good fortune and happiness. A Bracelet of four 
lines is called a " royal Bracelet," and signifies 
that the fortunate possessor will gain all this 
world can give. 

If the lines rise towards the hand, it is a sign 
of elevated ideas and noble views of life ; if they 
descend, it is a sign of inferiority. 



%ine$. 69 

If the lines are chained, it will show a laborious 
life; but if they continue without breaking, suc- 
cess will be won at last. 

If the lines are much broken and badly 
marked, it shows trouble, distress, and with other 
bad signs concurring, even disgrace. 

A cross on the Bracelets, well marked and 
even, is a sign of a legacy or unexpected gain. 

An angle promises great inheritance and an 
honoured old age. 

Branches on the Bracelets are also signs of 
distinctions and honour. 

Lines rising from the Bracelet on to the Mount 
of Luna show long travel and voyages; if they 
end in a star on the mount, it is a warning of 
shipwreck; if in both hands, a danger of drown- 
ing. If "a line rises from the wrist and passes 
up to the Mount of Jupiter, the subject will 
travel very far, probably more than once round 
the world. If the line, however, directs itself 
toward the Mount of Apollo, it will show a life 
of fortune and distinction from the favour of 
great personages ; but if it crosses the Mount of 
Luna, and on reaching the Mount of Mars passes 
round the percussion of the hand, it will show 
great misfortune and tribulation, especially if it 
is also irregular in its course, or broken and 
chained. 



70 Gbe Grammar of lfcalmtett:£» 



The Marriage Lines. 

The Marriage Lines are found passing hori- 
zontally across the Mount of Mercury from the 
percussion of the hand towards the palm. 

The long lines only should be counted as 
marriages ; the others are love affairs in which 
the feelings were deeply concerned. In the case 
of a love match there should be also a well- 
formed cross on the Mount of Jupiter, and by 
this cross it is customary to date the time of 
marriage. If it is near the root of the finger, the 
marriage will take place very early ; if in the 
centre of the mount, from twenty-five to thirty; 
if lower down, about middle age ; and if upon the 
Line of Life, not until old age. When the heart 
is very deeply concerned, lines from the Heart 
Line will be found rising towards the Marriage 
Line on the Mount of Mercury^ 

When the Marriage Line is forked it is a sign 
of a broken engagement. 

If it slopes down on the Line of Heart, it is 
said to foretell widowhood ; if broken with a 
black or red dot, the death will be sudden. 

Crossed with many perpendicular lines, it will 
show trouble, strife, and possibly lawsuits. 



%ines. 71 

LINES ON THE FINGERS AND MOUNTS. 

First Finger. 

(Finger of Jupiter}) 

LINES ON THE FINGER. 

One single line from the root to the first pha- 
lange shows nobility of character. 

Many lines on the first phalange show ill- 
health (this is the case with all the fingers). 

Transverse lines on the second — a power of 
lying well. 

Star on the second — a sign of wickedness, un- 
less the branches mount on to the first phalange. 

Cross on the second — the friendship of the 
great. 

Transverse lines on the third — money, or an 
inheritance. 

Star on the third — an evil life. 

Many lines from the mount across the root, on 
to the third phalange — high spirit and determi- 
nation to succeed. 

lines on the mount. 

A single line on the mount will show success. 

A cross shows ambition and happiness. 

A grill shows selfishness and absurd pride. 

A triangle — diplomacy. 

Without lines — happiness, and a calm life. 



72 ftbe Grammar of iPalmtetrE. 

Second Finger. 
(Finger of Saturn?) 

LINES ON THE FINGER. 

A single line traversing the whole finger shows 
stupidity and a great folly. 

Many lines equal and regular — a good fortune 
of money — said to be from mining or minerals. 

Waving lines — obstacles. 

Star on the first phalange — a great but fatal 
event. 

A single line on the third phalange, not touch- 
ing the root of the finger — prosperity in arms. 

Cross on the third phalange — no family. 

Triangle on the third-— a bad subject, threat- 
ened by a miserable fate. 

Lines from the root to the mount — melan- 
choly. 

Many lines on all the phalanges are said to be 
a sign of impulsiveness. 

LINES ON THE MOUNT. 

A single line on the mount — a sign of happi- 
ness. 

Many lines — misfortune, especially if tangled. 
A cross — a misfortune, or an adverse influence. 
Rays tending upwards — happiness. 
Cross rays — obstacles. 



%ines. 73 

Star shows a danger of assassination, some- 
times of paralysis. 

A triangle — a talent for mystic science. 



Third Finger. 
{Finger of Apollo}) 

LINES ON THE FINGER. 

A single line from the root to the first phalange 
shows a gain of great glory. 

Straight lines on the third — a happy existence. 

One or two lines from the third to the second 
show wisdom and ability. 



LINES ON THE MOUNT. 

A single line on the mount shows talent and 
success. 

Two lines, if crossed — talent and failure. 

Many lines, tangled or forked — love of too 
many arts, and consequent failure. 

A cross — ill-luck in art or in riches. 

A grill — vainglory and boasting. 

A star shows riches and unhappiness ; or 
celebrity gained by chance. 

A triangle — scientific art or architecture. 



74 ftbe Grammar of ipalmistrg. 

Fourth Finger. 
{Finger of Mercury?) 

LINES ON THE FINGER. 

A single line from the root to the first phalange 
— success in scientific research ; if more than 
one, failure from following chimeras and impos- 
sibilities. 

Lines on the first — ill-health, feebleness of 
organization. 

Line from the second to the first — a great 
intelligence. 

Confused marks on the second — theft or lying. 

Straight lines on the third — intelligence. 

A star on the third — spirit and eloquence. 

A cross on the third — theft. 

A grill — cheating and dishonesty. 

LINES ON THE MOUNT. 

A single line shows a good chance of fortune. 

Two deep lines — a sign of a good doctor or 
nurse. 

A faggot of lines shows science and aptitude, 
sometimes a good chemist. 

A star — a successful author. 

A cross — a disposition to theft. 

A triangle — diplomacy, a love of politics. 



tinea. 75 

Too many lines show an astute subject, but 
one liable to overreach himself. 

A cross on the mount, close to the Heart Line, 
which is cut by one of its branches, together with 
a black dot on the line, is said to show a great 
loss of money through treachery. 

[There being no mention of lines on the 
thumb in any work on palmistry with which I 
am acquainted, and my own theories not being 
sufficiently justified by experience to find a place 
in such a work as this, I shall at once pass on to 
the consideration of the mount. The lines on 
the thumb, I am convinced, are, nevertheless, of 
considerable importance, and I should be glad 
to draw the attention of the greater chiromantists 
to them ] 

Lines on the Mount of Venus. 

Many lines upon the Mount of Venus show 
great affection and passion ; but if they are 
crossed by others into a grill, the reverse is the 
case ; there will be great refinement in love, but 
the heart is cold and wanting in benevolence; 
this may be modified by fine Lines of Heart and 
Head. With many lines passing down the 
mount to the palm, fate will rule, and the sub- 
ject's love-affairs will be the sport of destiny. A 



76 trbe Grammar of fcalmisttg. 

single strong line crossing from the Mount to 
the Plain of Mars will show the dominant in- 
fluences of someone of the other sex, exercised 
during a great part of the life. A mount with- 
out lines will show calm, coldness, and often a 
short life. A star shows trouble connected with 
marriage ; a single cross — a happy love. 

Lines of the Mount of Mars. 

Many lines upon the Mount of Mars, next the 
percussion, show a hot temper and a passionate 
disposition. A mount without lines shows cool- 
ness and courage. Transverse lines crossing to 
the outside of the hand are said to show the 
number of the subject's enemies, and according 
as they are broken or not, their power of injury. 
A grill is a sign of murder, or at least of homi- 
cidal tendencies, and a star is said to indicate an 
attempt at assassination, or death in battle. A 
triangle will show talent for war tactics. 

Lines on the Mount of Luna. 

A single line on the Mount of Luna will show 
a cause of disquiet; with many lines, there will 
be nervousness, and torments of anxiety, either 
real or imaginary. (To find out from what it pro- 



Smaller Signs. 77 

ceeds, consult the other lines.) Downward lines 
to the wrist show voyages or long journeys. 

A star is a danger of drowning, fatal only if 
found in both hands ; but if on the Head Line, 
low on the mount, it is a sign of a tendency to 
madness. A cross shows lying or hallucination. 
A grill — sadness, timidity, and discontent. 

On the Smaller Signs. 
crosses. 

An ill-made or uneven cross is always a bad 
sign on a hand, but well-made even crosses are 
not always harmful. 

Cross on the Mount of Jupiter — successful 
ambition. 

Cross on the Mount of Saturn — a great mis- 
fortune, or an adverse influence. 

Cross on the Mount of Apollo — ill-luck in art 
or riches. 

Cross on the Mount of Mercury — a tendency 
to steal. 

Cross on the Mount of Venus — an unhappy 
love affair, unless there is a corresponding cross 
on Jupiter, when it is said to mean a happy 
marriage. 

Cross on the Mount of Luna — lying, self- 
deception, or delusions. 

Cross on the Mount of Mars — murder. 



78 Gbe Grammar of palmistry 

Cross on the Line of Life — a serious illness or 
infirmity ; if the lines cut deeply across it — 
probable death. 

Cross on the Line of Fate — a change of life ; if 
near, and not on it, the change will happen to a 
relative or friend. 

Cross on the Line of Health — an illness. 

Cross on a branch of the Health Line — a 
change in business or affairs. 

Cross on the triangle — an important event, 
the result, of a struggle, always a change of cir- 
cumstances. 

Cross between the Mount of Luna and the 
Quadrangle — a fortunate voyage. 

Cross — formed in the shape of St. Andrew's 
Cross — in the middle of the Quadrangle beneath 
the Mount of Saturn, with the ends unattached 
to any of the lines above or. below, called the 
Mystic Cross, is said to show love of occult 
science, and spiritualism. 

STARS. 

Stars are fatalities, circumstances or events 
over which personally there is no control, and 
for which no responsibility is attached. 

Star on the Mount of Jupiter — high honour 
and fortune, 



Smaller Signs. 79 

Star on the Mount of Saturn — danger of sud- 
den or violent death. 

Star on the Mount of Apollo — riches and un- 
happiness ; or, with a good Line of Fortune, 
celebrity won by chance, and not lasting. 

Star on the Mount of Mercury — danger of 
theft or dishonour, committed either by the sub- 
ject or someone closely connected. In a good 
and talented hand this star is said to be the sign 
of a successful author. 

Star on the Mount of Mars — murder, danger 
of assassination, death in battle. 

Star in the Plain of Mars — honour and mili- 
tary glory. 

Star on the Mount of Luna — danger of drown- 
ing, or sign of illness. 

Star on the Mount of Venus — trouble caused 
by love or marriage ; if close to the Life Line, 
lawsuits. 

Star on the Head Line low down on the 
Mount of Luna — danger of madness or insanity 
in the family ; higher on the Head Line close to 
the Mount of Mars — danger of blindness. 

Star on the Line of Fortune — a catastrophe. 

SQUARES. 

A square is generally a good sign, and gives 
force and energy to whichever mount or finger 



80 Gbe Grammar ot lpalmi6tr£. 

it may be found on, except when found on the 
Mount of Venus, when it foretells imprisonment, 
a convent, or seclusion from the world. 

On the lines it is said to show preservation 
from an accident. 



TRIANGLES. 

A triangle is a favourable sign, and shows 
aptitude for scientific pursuits. 

Triangle on the Mount of Jupiter — successful 
diplomacy. 

Triangle on the Mount of Saturn — love of 
occult science, mesmerism, mysticism, supersti- 
tion. 

Triangle on the Mount of Apollo — success 
in art or literature, scientific art, architecture, 
sculpture. 

Triangle on the Mount of Mercury — success 
in politics, or in a learned profession. 

Triangle on the Mount of Mars — military 
glory, war-tactics. 

Triangle on the Mount of Luna — reason and 
intuition. 

Triangle on the Mount of Venus — prudence 
in love, calculation in marriage. 



Smaller Signs. 81 

CIRCLES. 

Circles are good signs on the mounts, signify- 
ing success and glory, especially on the Mount 
of Apollo ; but on the lines they are bad, show- 
ing misfortune. On the Line of Life they are a 
sign of loss of sight. 

DOTS. 

Dots are favourable or otherwise, according to 
the position they occupy. 

White dots on the Heart Line — conquests in 
love. 

Red dots on the Heart Line mean the same, 
but in this case the subject has had his feelings 
also very deeply engaged ; but if there is a sign 
of illness on the Health and Life Lines, it may 
mean heart disease instead. 

Dark dots on the Head Line — fever. 

White dots on the Head Line — success in dis- 
covery, according to which mount they are 
under ; as, beneath Mercury, in science ; beneath 
Apollo, in art or literature ; beneath Saturn, in 
speculation. 

Dots on the Health Line — illness ; if dark, 
typhoid, or other fever. 

Dot on the Marriage Line — widowhood by 
sudden death. 

F 



82 Gbe Grammar of palmistry 

ISLANDS. 

Islands are always bad signs in the hand, but 
care should be taken to distinguish them from 
sister lines, and from branches which cross the 
line from which they rise. An island is made by 
the line dividing itself into two even branches, 
proceeding a short distance and joining again 
into a single line. 

Island on the Life Line — illness, generally 
hereditary. 

Island on the Head Line — illness in which the 
subject has been delirious. 

Island on the Heart Line — an unfortunate 
attachment. 

Island on the Fate Line — happiness marred by 
the interference of enemies. 

Island on the Health Line — liver complaint 
or indigestion ; sometimes robbery or bank- 
ruptcy. 

GRILLS, OR CROSS-BARS. 

A grill is an obstacle, and generally a bad sign 
in the hand, as it takes away the good qualities 
from the mount on which it is found, which, 
if much developed, will contain only the evil 
qualities exaggerated, and if the mount is un- 
developed the grill will give great coldness. 



Smaller Signs. 83 

Grill on Jupiter — Mount developed, selfishness 
and tyranny; mount undeveloped, superstition. 

Grill on Saturn — great misfortune. 

Grill on Apollo — mount developed, absurd 
folly and error; mount undeveloped, vanity. 

Grill on Mercury — mount developed, hy- 
pocrisy, theft ; mount undeveloped, ruse, petty 
lying. 

Grill on Mars — sudden death. 

Grill on Venus — mount developed, sensual 
affection ; mount undeveloped, coldness in love 
and want of devotion. 

Grill on Luna — discontent, anxiety, sadness; 
mount developed, a poetical nature. 



F 2 



PART IV. 

On Signs of Illness. 

Signs of illness on any part of the hand must 
not be accepted unless corroborative evidence is 
found on the Lines of Life or Health by means 
of cross-lines, breaks, dots, stars, or other adverse 
markings. The colour and width of the lines 
generally, and texture of the skin, show health 
and sickness with much accuracy. 

Lines wide and pale — ill-health and weakness. 

Lines very red — tendency to fever. 

Lines very yellow — tendency to internal ill- 
nesses. 

Lines irregularly coloured — fluctuated health. 

Soft skin and cold palm — good health. 

Hot dry skin — liability to fever. 

Hot damp skin — tendency to consumption. 

Cold damp skin — liability to liver complaint. 

Cold dry crackly skin — illness of the nerves. 

Thin brittle nails — delicate health. 

Fluted nails — tendency to consumption. 
84 



©n Signs of Ifllness. 85 

Curved nails — tendency to consumption or 
spinal complaint. 

Many lines in a hand show the natural con- 
stitution is not strong. The fewer the lines, the 
stronger the health. 

Many small lines on the Head and Heart — 
headache and neuralgia. 

Dominant second finger, long Fate Line, and 
chained Line of Health — loss of teeth, or suffer- 
ing from them. 

Islands on the lines — hereditary illness. 

A break or dot on the lines — a serious illness ; 
if repeated in both hands — often fatal. 

Star on the Mount of Saturn — paralysis. 

Star on the Mount of Luna — dropsy, or illness 
from anxiety and worry. 

Cross on the Mount of Luna — insanity in the 
family. 

Cross on the Line of Life — a danger. 

Break on the Head Line — a broken limb, or 
accident. 

Circle on the Head Line, or a cross very high 
up — loss of sight. 

Star on the Head Line — shock. 

Star on the Plain of Mars — loss of sight. 

Many lines and chains, spatulate fingers, soft 
palm, and poor second phalange of the thumb — 
hysteria. 



86 Gbe Grammar of palmistry. 

On Temper. 

Temper is shown by the shape of the hand, 
the nails, the skin, the Mount of Mars, and the 
general colouring. 

Nails wider than they are long — hot temper, 
obstinacy. 

Nails very short — criticism, contradiction. 

Nails square, but round at the bottom — pas- 
sionate, but not obstinate. 

Nails very pink — hasty temper. 

Long nails, narrow — sweet temper. 

Almond nails — cheerfulness. 

Many small lines show an irritable temper, 
but it may proceed from illness or nervousness, 
and the Lines of Life and Health should always 
be. carefully consulted. 

Red lines — hot temper. 

Plain of Mars much lined — impatience ; some- 
times much suffering from the ill-temper of 
others. 

Mount of Mars high and unlined, with wide 
Quadrangle— just, tolerant, gentle temper. 

Thick, smooth, white skin, unimpressionable 
to heat and cold — a calm, intensely selfish char- 
acter. 

Hands with long Square fingers are never 
content. 



On Special (Qualities. 87 



On Special Qualities. 

Pride. — A very long first finger, especially 
long in the third phalange. Mount of Jupiter 
very long and high. A branch from the Head 
or Heart Line rising high on to the mount. 

Ambition. — Very high Mount of Jupiter, long 
first finger, long second phalange. Good Lines 
of Fate and Fortune. Sometimes a line from the 
middle of the Mount of Luna ending high on 
the Mount of Jupiter. 

Conceit — Spatulate fingers. Head and Life 
Lines widely divided. 

Vanity. — Grill on Mount of Apollo. Head 
and Heart Lines deeply joined. Many lines on 
the Mount of Luna. 

Energy. — Hard hand, deep lines. Spatulate 
fingers. 

Perseverance . — Long fourth finger, especially 
the third phalange. 

Enthusiasm. — Very long pointed fingers with- 
out knots. 

Reason.- — Long, thick second phalange of 
thumb. Long, square fingers. Knot of Philo- 
sophy. 

Will. — Large thumb, long first phalange. If 



88 Gbe Grammar of ipalmistrg. 

the will is obstinate, the joint will be thick, the 
end heavy and spatulate, and the second phalange 
poor. 

Order. — Large joints. First knot, order in 
ideas ; second knot, order in practice. 

Impulse. — Short, pointed, smooth, supple fin- 
gers, much lined. Head and Life Lines much 
joined. 

Capacity for Detail. — Large hand, long fingers, 
long Line of Head. 

Idleness. — Soft hands, pointed fingers, very- 
limp. Short Line of Head, low Mount of Jupiter. 

Anger. — Low Mount of Mars under Mercury, 
high under Jupiter, with the plain between much 
crossed and lined. Short first phalange of the 
thumb. Red lines. Short wide nails, quite 
square at the bottom. 

Courage. — High Mount of Mars on both sides. 
Line of Heart going round the percussion. 
Straight fingers, especially the third phalange. 
Square fingers. Firm hand. 

Avarice. — Hard hand. Fingers very close 
together, with the points curved upwards. 
Thumb turned inwards towards the fingers. 
Very long straight Line of Head. Short Line 
of Heart. 

Selfishness. — Soft, fat hand, with very high 



On Special Qualities. 89 

mounts. Fingers close together, thumb straight 
and heavy. Short line of Heart. No Mounts 
of Luna or Venus, but all the others over-devel- 
oped. 

Hypocrisy. — Long Head Line, with a great 
fork at the end, one branch descending onto the 
Mount of Luna, and the other rising towards 
Mercury. Mount of Mercury much developed, 
grilled; Mount of Luna much developed, with a 
cross on it. Third phalange of the fourth finger 
long and thick. 

Greediness. — Third phalange of all the fingers 
long and very thick. High Mount of Venus 
encroaching on the palm. 

Generosity. — Turned out thumb. Long, straight, 
narrow Line of Heart forked on the Mount of 
Jupiter. 

Eloquence. — High Mount of Mercury. Long 
fourth finger. Long Line of Head, sloping 
towards the Mount of Luna. Long smooth 
fingers. 

Imagination. — Long pointed fingers. High 
Mount of Luna. 

Nervousness (not to be confounded with want 
of courage). — High Mount of Luna, much lined. 
A bend backwards of the first phalange of all 
the fingers. 

Constancy. — Large strong thumb, long first 



90 Gbe (Srammar of palmistry, 

phalange. Long Head Line. Long, narrow, 
straight Line of Heart, evenly forked. 

Cruelty. — Tyranny. Long, thin, stiff fingers, 
very pointed, very narrow hand. Turned-in 
thumb and fingers. No Mount of Luna. Brutality. 
Long, red, thick Line of Life. Hard, thick, 
clumsy hand. Lined Mount of Mars, no Mount 
of Luna. Lines very red. Fingers short, thick, 
and stiff. 

Money. — Long uncrossed Line of Fortune. 
Branches from the Line of Life to the Line of 
Head. Good Mount of Mercury with two 
straight lines on it — money from business. Very 
good Bracelets with angle or cross on the first 
line, and lines on the third phalange of the finger 
of Jupiter — money from inheritance, legacies. 
Long straight Line of Fate rising on the Mount 
of Luna and ending on the Mount of Saturn, 
and a branch from the Head Line on to the 
Mount of Jupiter — money from appointments 
gained by the influence of others. 

On the Professions. 

The Service. — Large hard hand. High double 
Mounts of Mars. Lines of Fate and- Fortune — 
for success. Large thumb, heavy first phalange 
— for command. Square or spatulate fingers. 



Qn Special Qualities. 91 

The Cloth. — Very good finger and Mount of 
Jupiter — for religion. High Mounts of Venus 
and Luna — for benevolence. Long straight finger 
and Mount of Mercury, with the first phalange 
pointed — for eloquence. 

Pointed and smooth fingers — dogmatism and 
art. 

Square fingers — tolerance. 

Knotted fingers — argumentativeness. 

With pointed and knotted fingers, and a long 
second phalange of thumb — faith and reason will 
be in continual conflict. With double knots and 
square fingers — resistance, reason, and union. 

Long and pointed, with a turned-up Heart 
Line — the enthusiasts, the martyrs. 

The Faculty. — Long deep Line of Head. Long 
second phalange of thumb. Long straight finger 
of Mercury, with straight lines en the mount — 
for chemistry. Good Mount of Luna — for quick 
diagnosis. Long fingers, good Mount of Mars 
— for surgery. 

The Bar. — Long straight fourth finger, high 
Mount of Mercury, turned-out thumb, long first 
phalange of fourth finger — for wit and eloquence. 
Long, thick, second phalange of thumb — for 
logic. Good Line of Fortune — for fame. Good 
Line of Fate — for position and money. 



92 {Tbe Grammar of palmistry. 

The Profession. — Long supple fingers, turned- 
out thumb. Line of Fortune. High Mounts of 
Luna and Venus. Heart Line turning upwards 
towards the Mount of Mercury. 

Music. — Long second finger, and good high 
Mount of Saturn. Line of Fortune. Line of 
Head descending on to the Mount of Luna. 
Supple fingers — for performers. Square and 
knotted fingers — for composers. High Mounts 
of Saturn and Luna — for harmony. High Mounts 
of Apollo and Venus — for melody. 

Poetry. — Long pointed finger of Jupiter. High 
mount. Good Mounts of Luna and Venus. 
Head Line descending on to the Mount of Luna. 
Heart Line turning up high upon the Mount of 
Jupiter. 

Painting. — Long Line of Head. Long supple 
fingers. Short thumb. Line of Fortune. High 
Mount of Apollo, long third finger. Second 
finger square in comparison with the rest, and 
all the first phalanges short. 

Sculpture. — Spatulate hands. Line of Fortune. 
High Mount of Apollo. Second and third 
fingers of equal length, first phalanges of both 
very long and thick. 

Literature. — Large hands, long smooth fingers. 
High Mount of Luna. Long finger of Mercury, 
with a star on the mount. Line of Fortune. 



©n Special Qualities. 93 

Long forked Line of Head descending on to the 
Mount of Luna. 

Business. — Long large thumb. Long straight 
JJne of Head. Square fingers, with a very long 
and square fourth finger. 



PART V. 

On Reading the Hands. 

With regard to the difference in the lines of the 
right and left hands, which is one of the greatest 
difficulties in palmistry, I think it may be broadly 
stated that in the left is found what is intended 
for you in life, and in the right what you do with 
it. The left is the passive hand, the right the 
active. The outline of the hand, like the 
natural disposition, is hereditary, and it is im- 
possible to alter it to any great degree ; but the 
lines show the habits you encourage, the character 
you become, and the events that modify or estab- 
lish that character, and therefore the lines of the 
hand are always changing, more or less accord- 
ing to the eventfulness, mental and physical, of 
the life led. It is absolutely necessary that the 
outline of a hand should be thoroughly under- 
stood before any attempt is made to study the 
lines, and it is by far the best plan for the student 
to restrict himself to the first part of palmistry 
until that is thoroughly comprehended and com- 
94 



©n IReaDing tbe IbanDs. 95 

mitted to memory before attempting the harder 
work comprised in the second part. 

When about to read the hands of your subject, 
you should take the left in your own, and, 
holding it palm downwards, look carefully at 
the outline. You will then be able to judge as 
to the class of hand to which it belongs — long or 
short, pointed, spatulate, or square, with or with- 
out knots, shape of the nails, etc. — telling of the 
temper, tact, judgment, will, quickness of appre- 
hension, and so on, of your subject. Then turn 
the hand over and press the palm, so as to tell of 
the hardness or the softness of the hand, as energy 
or laziness is the keynote of a character, and 
modifies all other signs. The hand should then 
be laid palvi upwards on a sheet of paper, and 
the tops and bottoms of the fingers and edge of 
the outline dotted with a pencil, so as to be sure 
of the measurements being correct and in exact 
proportion. The subject should then hold the 
hand in an easy position, slightly horizontally, 
before the student, who should carefully draw 
the outline. The hand should then be laid flat 
downwards upon a table in a good light for the 
drawing of the lines, which, after being first 
drawn in pencil, should be corrected and re- 
drawn in ink. This done, the student should 
note down upon another sheet of paper the other 



96 Gbe Grammar of ipalmfstrs. 

signs of the hand, the shape and height of the 
mounts, the colour of the lines, the feel of the 
hand and texture of the skin, shape of the nails, 
etc. The right hand should then be observed, 
and, if time allows, a drawing should also be 
made of it as well, and in the same manner ; but 
if time presses and the subject becomes impa- 
tient, it will be sufficient to note down carefully 
the differences between the two hands. The 
drawings should then be thoroughly studied by 
the student with the help of the grammar, notes 
being taken of every peculiarity, no one sign 
being taken by itself without the corroborative 
evidence of others ; and against every conclu- 
sion drawn, the reasons for so thinking should be 
noted for future experience, and finally a careful 
summing-up of all the evidence should be written. 
A copy of this summing-up should be given to 
the subject, and the drawings of the hands and 
the full notes written by the student should be 
entered into a book kept by him for the purpose. 
The student should never attempt to read a 
hand verbally until after at least six months of 
careful drawing and study, as I am sure it is com- 
pletely impossible to carry all the rules and 
directions of this difficult science at once in the 
memory, and to produce correct deductions spon- 



©n IReaDtna tbe IbanDs. 99 

taneously at the sight of a new and unstudied 
hand ; though after a time, of course, it becomes 
possible to tell a character truly at a glance and 
events correctly without a moment's hesitation. 
But I am sure if students would have the energy 
and patience to follow the suggestions above made 
as to the drawing of hands, we should have less 
false conclusions arrived at, and fewer innocent 
people would be frightened out of their wits by 
the terrible and startling events prognosticated 
by the amateur palmist. 

Example of the Reading of a Hand. (Fig. 10.) 

[This hand (the real hand of an artist) is worked 
out in detail as an example for the student's 
notes, and is purposely left in the rough ; the 
finished paper that would be given to the sub- 
ject would be a modified summary of this.] 

OUTLINE. 

Scientific. — The hand as a whole shows energy, 
audacity, resolution, love of comfort, of notoriety, 
of unconventionality, of personal movement. No 
love of detail (short fingers). The palm, by its 
size and hardness, shows great energy and con- 
tinual restlessness ; the subject will never remain 
inactive, but will rest from one occupation by 
2 



loo Gbe Grammar ot palmistry 

undertaking another ; there is great love of fresh 
air and exercise, of games, of riding and rowing, 
and of walking tours in all weathers. 

FINGERS. 

Knottcd-Pointed. — The first knot gives the 
subject great order in ideas, and the second 
order in the material world. The impression 
will be quick (pointed tips), but they will always 
be carefully reasoned out. 

Thumb. — A very powerful one. The first 
phalange shows a very strong will, unselfish 
(turned out), extremely independent, would be 
occasionally very rash, and always hasty in judg- 
ment. Second phalange shows the reasoning 
powers very good, clear judgment and logical 
capacity, love of argument. A very constant 
friend, and one who could keep a secret. 

First Finger. — The first phalange of this finger 
shows enthusiasm in religion, soon checked by 
philosophy (first knot), love of nature and of 
books. The second phalange will give ambition, 
and the third shows but little love of rule. 

Se-cond Finger. — This being the dominant 
finger, shows that destiny will rule the career, 
but the mount below will prevent ill-success 
from saddening the character. It shows a great 



On IReafcins tbe 1banDs» 101 

love of animals, and generally a want of pru- 
dence. 

Third Finger. — Being pointed, this will give 
quick observation and activity in ideas, but it is 
too small to give either fame or riches. 

Fourth Finger. — This finger is too short for 
eloquence or brilliancy, though the length of the 
first phalange will give cheerfulness. By the 
poverty of this finger the subject will never be 
able to manage or persuade other people, how- 
ever necessary or desirable it might be, and the 
career will be very much hampered by this. 

As a whole the fingers indicate aptitude and 
great inventiveness, mechanical skill and love of 
study, great sensibility and want of tact, gene- 
rosity and unselfishness, a love of good things 
to eat and drink, a strong sense of individuality 
and entire absorption in the subject's own affairs. 
The fingers being both knotted and pointed 
show a continual struggle between inspiration 
and analysis, between religious tendency and the 
spirit of controversy. As an artist, the subject 
will be a painter of truth, not of imagination; 
will always be occupied with masses, general 
aspects, and colouring more than detail, and will 
never lose sight of the ensemble — the end to be 
obtained. She will carry out her own particular 
scheme according to her own ideas ; she will 



102 XLbc Grammar of ipalmtetrg. 

study all that has to do with her art, especially 
chemistry ; she will make trials in the composi- 
tion and in the amelioration of the earths used 
for making paints ; she will make her own 
colours the effects of her own invention. (Des- 
barolles has made a particular study of the scien- 
tific artistic hand, as the combination of knotted 
and pointed fingers is rare, and renders the 
character difficult to analyze.) 

MOUNTS. 

Jupiter shows ambition and much pride; love 
of nature. There is no sign of success on this 
mount, and the adverse lines denote good 
chances spoiled by wrong judgment or by inter- 
ference. 

Saturn is insignificant, and tends towards 
Apollo, which shows fate leads to art. 

Apollo, furrowed by two horizontal lines, shows 
the love of art ; but the lines, being broken and 
crossed, give but little promise of success, as 
the Line of Fate is not strong enough to coun- 
terbalance the obstacles. 

Mercury is favourable, and shows spirit and 
cheerfulness, love of work and perseverance, 
promptitude of action and invention. The three 
deep lines on the mount show the subject to be 



On IReaOirtG tbe 1band6. 103 

possessed of great medical talent, which, had she 
taken to medicine instead of art, would probably 
have ensured success. 

Venus gives a love of colour and of melody, 
but the mount is not important in this hand, 
showing but little passion in love, a lack of the 
wish for popularity, and a want of universal 
benevolence. 

Luna, being high, shows a good imagination, 
and being without lines, calm, and absence of 
anxiety. 

Mars is the dominant mount, and the most 
important. On the one side it shows daring, 
aggressiveness, presence of mind, a hasty temper, 
and great impetuosity, fortunately controlled by 
reason (second phalange of thumb) ; on the other, 
calm courage, fortitude, and self-control. 

LINES. 

Line of Heart. — This line shows a true heart, 
very constant, without falsehood or coquetry 
(branches evenly forked), but little passion and 
hardly any tenderness. It is unfortunate in love 
and friendship (branches all crossed). There was 
a good promise of happiness early in life, but the 
direction of the branches towards Jupiter, and 
the lines on the mount, show that pride and in- 



104 Gbe Grammar of H>almistrg. 

dependence, together with overruling of circum- 
stances (division of Fate Line), caused the 
promise to come to nothing, and the engage- 
ment or attachment — marked and crossed out on 
Marriage Line — to be of no effect. There is no 
marriage in this hand. As to friendship, the 
subject has been equally unfortunate. By the 
crossing of the branches and of the lines on the 
Head Line, the few sincere friends that the sub- 
ject has made have been lost to her by death and 
distance, and the others she has not chosen well, 
as they have proved inconstant. At one time 
one friend was able to help her powerfully, but 
the influence could only have lasted a very short 
time. 

Line of Head. — This is a good line, and shows 
much common sense and energy, courage and 
perseverance. Perhaps it tends too little to 
imagination for a follower of art, and the work 
will consequently be realistic rather than fanci- 
ful. There is much self-confidence and audacity 
(division of Head -and Life Lines); the memory 
is not very good. There is a good deal of illness 
shown by this line, and from the break, and the 
lines on the commencement of the Life Line, and 
the direction of the Line of Fate, there must 
have been at one time a tendency to suicide 
(irregular cross on Mars) ; but if so, it must have 



On IRea&ing tbe Ibanfcs. 105 

been singularly early in life. The line, taken 
with the knotted fingers and the poverty of the 
fourth finger, shows a want of tact and diplomacy. 

Line of Life. — This line shows a very unhappy 
childhood, and much trouble and struggles in 
middle life. There is a very serious illness 
between the age of thirty and thirty-five; through 
which the subject struggled by means of a good 
natural constitution. There is a great change in 
life at about twenty-eight, which had a great 
effect on the career (line from Life to Head) ; it 
made more work and more happiness. Life will 
last till sixty-five or seventy, and will end sud- 
denly. 

Line of Fate. — -This shows a very adventurous 
career. There has been an unhappy beginning, 
great poverty, and many obstacles. The Head 
made a very fatal choice, both with regard to 
love and fame, and from thirty-five to fifty the 
struggle has been very severe (line broken cross- 
ing the Plain of Mars). The line beginning so 
low down and stopping abruptly at the Head 
shows fate to be always adverse ; the various 
decisions come to by the subject have nearly 
always been wrong, which is singular, considering 
the good judgment shown by the thumb; but 
over-impetuosity may have been the cause of 
some of them, and inability to manage or under- 



106 ftbe Grammar of fcalmtetrg* 

stand other people and their prejudices, the sub- 
ject having so few herself, has probably conduced 
a great deal towards the ill-success shown by 
this line. 

Line of Fortune. — This shows a loss of fortune 
by parents during youth. Beginning low, this 
line shows the subject to have earned a good 
deal of consideration and admiration from many 
people, and had the Saturnian been better, might 
have gained fame and success. The line, instead 
of going towards the Mount of Apollo, which is 
its proper direction, turns towards Mercury, 
which shows that the natural tendency is scientific 
and not artistic ; and had science been followed 
instead of art, success would have been more 
certain. The line is too short to bring money at 
any time. 

Line of Health. — This shows a naturally hardy 
constitution, but the subject has been most rash 
in throwing away health. There have been bad 
illnesses from over-work and over-exposure, and 
danger of death in the break and crosses (this is 
repeated on the Life Line). Health will improve 
as life advances, and the subject will be very 
strong in old age. There is a great warning 
against falls on the lines, and it shows a liability 
to fever and inflammation, and to neuralgia on 
the left side of the head and face. Fruit will 



On IReaDing tbe Ibanfcs. 107 

not be wholesome, and should be taken very 
sparingly. 

PALM. 

The Plain of Mars. — This shows great military 
talent, which, in a woman's hand, will probably 
find its outlet in playing chess, and games need- 
ing strategical skill ; also a sense of construction 
and locomotion, engineering talent. There will 
be a love for studying the unseen, and continual 
debating and questioning (Knot of Philosophy), 
but the thumb is too strong, reason too good, 
for it to degenerate into credulity. The Triangle 
is unfortunate, but shows large ideas, generosity, 
and toleration of the opinions of others. 

Quadrangle. — This is too narrow, the Head 
Line rising too near the Heart. This, in another 
hand, would probably mean timidity and irreso- 
lution, but with such fine Mounts of Mars, and 
so strong and courageous an outline, this would 
be a contradiction. We must, therefore, apply 
to it another reading of Desbarolles, w r hich is 
confirmed on the Lines of Life and Fate, namely, 
that of exile. The subject must have left home 
early in life and never returned to it. 

The Bracelets. — These, being both chained and 
broken, show a very laborious life. There is a 
small legacy on the lower one. 



108 Ubc (Srammat of lpalmtstrg. 

The Subject considered as a type of Mars. 

{After Desbarolles) 

The subject being a type of Mars, should be 
above middle height, strongly built, and some- 
what clumsy. A short, thick head, large, high 
forehead, and much-developed cranium. A red- 
brown complexion and firm skin. Thick hair, 
bright in colour ; large, bright, bold eyes, gray 
or brown, very straight and fixed while speaking. 
A large mouth, with thin lips shutting tight; 
large teeth, very even, not very white. A high 
nose, well shaped ; a rather prominent chin. A 
short neck, wide chest, and substantial figure. 
The head is carried well in the air, and the walk 
is firm, with large steps. The movements are 
rapid and somewhat brusque, accompanied by 
"devastating gesture;" the voice clear and 
strong, liberal to prodigality, just and generous, 
those born types of Mars love bright colours, 
and movement, and animated conversation. 
Quick to anger, and irritated by contradiction, 
they despise danger, and attach no great value 
to their life. 



110 




112 




114 




116 




118 




120 




PART VI. 

The Hands of Distinguished Persons. 

Fig. ii. The Hand of a Nursing Sister. 

Fig. 12. The Hand of a distinguished Soldier. 

Fig. 13. The Hand of an Author. 

Fig. 14. The Hand of a Sculptor. 

Fig. 15. The Hand of an Actress. 

Fig. 16. The Hand of a Musician. 

The opposite hands, inserted for the benefit of 
the student, have all been carefully drawn from 
life. For obvious reasons, the names of the 
owners of the hands are not given, but the reader 
may rest assured they have been chosen as 
typical examples of successful hands in the 
different professions and callim f o which they 
belong. 



121 



PART VII. 

Glossary of Terms. 

Finger and Mount of Jupiter — the first finger 
with the mount at its base. 

Finger and Mount of Saturn — the second 
finger with the mount at its base. 

Finger and Mount of Apollo — the third finger 
with the mount at its base. 

Finger and Mount of Mercury — the fourth 
finger with the mount at its base. 

Mounts of Mars — the first, the space between 
the thumb and the bottom of the Mount of 
Jupiter ; the second, the mount on the outside of 
the hand, immediately below the Mount of 
Mercury. 

Mount of Luna — space between the Mount of 
Mars and the wrist. 

Mount of Venus — large mount at the base of 
the thumb. 

Line of Life, or Vital — line that encircles the 
Mount of Venus. 

122 



Glossary of Germs, 123 

Line of Head, or Cerebral — line rising between 
the thumb and first finger, and crossing the 
hand horizontally. 

Line of Heart, or Mensal — line crossing the 
hand horizontally beneath the mounts. 

Line of Fate, or Saturnian — line running per- 
pendicularly up the hand from the wrist to the 
base of the second finger. 

Line of Fortune, or Solar — line running per- 
pendicularly up the hand to the base of the third 
finger. 

Line of Health, or Hepatica — line running 
perpendicularly up the hand to the base of the 
fourth finger. 

Line of Intuition, or Lunar — line running in a 
curve from the Mount of Luna to the base of the 
fourth finger. 

Ring of Venus — line running horizontally from 
between the first and second fingers towards the 
fourth. 

Bracelets, or Rascettes — lines encircling the 
wrist. 

Percussion side of the hand, opposite the 
thumb. 

Plain of Mars — the palm of the hand. 

Quadrangle — space between the Heart and 
Head Lines. 



124 Zbc Grammar of iPalmtettE, f.w'f, 

Triangle — space between the Lines of Head, 
Life, and Fate, or Health. 

Marriage Lines — running horizontally across 
the Mount of Mercury. 



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